The 64th annual National Day of Prayer has thousands of Christian leaders across the nation asking “Lord, hear our cry!”

The cry, from 1 Kings 8:28, is the focus verse for the event.

“Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day,” – 1 Kings 8:28 (ESV)

“We are anticipating the largest day of prayer from coast to coast with more than 43,000 prayer gatherings,” John Bornschein, vice chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and an executive member of the National Prayer Committee, told The Christian Post.

“This coming year marks the 64th anniversary of this important day and we fully expect that the president will sign a proclamation as well as all 50 state governors. Already nearly 40 proclamations have been received and counting.”

The National Day of Prayer began in 1952 as an act of Congress and has stood despite the actions of anti-religion organizations and others to have a court order it unconstitutional.

“The Almighty is waiting for Americans to turn back to Him in a posture of prayer and repentance. May we, this day, determine to surrender our ways to Him, giving God the honor He deserves so that, as Psalm 85 states, ‘His glory may dwell in our land,'” said Bornschein.

The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday, May 7th.